Dharampur is a small and beautiful town situated east of Valsad. It is situated on the banks of the Swargavahini River and is surrounded by the Sahyadri or Western Ghats range on the east, west, and south. It receives the highest rainfall in Gujrat state.
In 1900, Shrimad Rajchandra had consecrated the soil of Dharampur for about 35 days (from Chaitra Sud Ekam to Vaishakh Sud Pancham, V.S. 1956).
Dharampura Tirth has been constructed under the guidance and inspiration of Pujya Gurudeva Rakeshji taking into consideration the minutest details of temple architecture following the Nagara style as opposed to the Dravidian style which is prevalent in Southern India.
The main idol is 55-inch tall murti of Lord Mahaveer. There are also murtis of Bhagwān Ādināth, Bhagwān Shāntināth, Bhagwān Nemināth, Bhagwān Pārsvanāth, current tirthankar Bhagwān Simmandharswāmi and future first Tirthankar Bhagwān Padmanābh (soul of King Shrenika).
The temple was consecrated by Pujya Āchārya Shree Rājhanssuriswarji Māhārāj during the Pratistha Mahotsav between 23 Dec 2021 – 1 January 2022.
Salient features of the temple are:
- Copper has been used instead steel during the foundation to maintain harmony with the Earth’s magnetic field
- White Makrana marble used for the construction
- Intricately carved 108 pillars depicting various aspects of the Jain philosophy
- Domes and ceilings are the epitome of the architectural marvel with exquisite carvings and designs.
- The shikhar (शिखर means spire / tower / top / peak) of the temple is 108 feet high
- Majestic 35 foot tall Kirtistambh signifying the Lord’s glory in all directions (Kīrti (कीर्ती means fame / glory and Stambha (स्तम्भ) refers to pillar).
References:
1. Internet
2. Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur website
3. JainismRevival
